Mighty Ducks consider 2002 draftees

By Kevin Forbes

May 20th, 2004

In less then two weeks, on June 1, NHL teams face a deadline for signingCHLplayers drafted in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, the MightyDucksleft it to the final two weeks before the deadline to sign prospectssuch asPierre-Alexandre Parenteau, Igor Pohanka and JoelStepp. This season, they find themselves in a similar situationwithfive prospects needing contract offers to retain their rights. Here’s a look at the one forward andfourdefensemen who could either re-enter the draft this year or becomeunrestricted free agents if not signed.

Tim Brent, 37th Overall (2nd round) in 2002The 20-year-old center had a career season this year. A captain inToronto for St. Micheal’s Majors, Brent was also an alternate captainforCanada’s silver medal winning team at the World Juniors. An OHLAll-Star andthe captain of Team OHL in the RE/MAX Challenge, he has the potentialto bea second liner in the NHL. Although he is only average in size, Brentplaysa strong two-way game and is team captain material.Prediction: Anaheim would be foolish not to do whatever it takestosign him.

Brian Lee, 71st Overall (3rd round) in 2002Lee is still just 19, turning 20 in June. He found anoffensiveside to his game this year. With 40 points, he completely demolishedhisprevious career high of 19. Mainly a defensive defenseman, Lee playsthebody often and skates well. He has good size and was an alternatecaptainfor the Erie Otters.Prediction: For a team lacking in NHL quality bluelinerprospects,Lee is a player who could make the grade and play in Anaheim sometimedownthe road.

Luke Fritshaw, 173rd Overall (6th round) in 2002Fritshaw will be an unrestricted free agent if he isn’t signed by thedeadline, because of his age. A physical, stay at home defender, thePrinceAlbert Raider reached a career high in points this season. He has greatsize, but overall, he may lack the skills to make an impact in theNHL.Prediction: Fritshaw would be another addition to a collectionof depth defensemen in Cincinnati. It is doubtful that he will besigned.

Francois Caron, 261st overall (9th round) in 2002At the draft, Caron was expected to be a one of the top playersselectedfrom the QMJHL. Instead, he fell to Anaheim in the ninth round. He wastradedearly in his QMJHL career for fellow Ducks prospect Pierre-AlexandreParenteau, and in a way, his fate may be similar.Parenteauwas also a ninth round selection, now looking to be a late round gem,after astrong rookie season in the AHL. Caron is a puck-moving defenseman whoskates extremely well and is great handling the puck.Prediction: Anaheim lacks blueliners who can move the puck.Caroncould be signed and developed slowly.

Chris Petrow, 267th overall (9th round) in 2002As has been mentioned before, Petrow’s rights aren’t even confirmed tobelong to Anaheim, right now. Oshawa news has reported that he is anunrestricted free agent, but according to most major media outlets, hisrights are still in Anaheim’s possession. Petrow has had significanttroublewith injuries that have limited his ability to play. When he ishealthy, heplays a tough, two-way game.Prediction: Doubtful he will be signed; his injuries preventedhimfrom making much of an impression.

Other News

Center Tony Martensson has signed a two-year deal with Linkopingofthe Swedish Elite League. The 23-year-old has led the Cincinnati MightyDucks in the past two seasons in scoring with a total of 103 points in146AHL games. An RFA this offseason, he made his NHL debut with Anaheimthisseason, playing in six games and registering a goal and an assist.Reportsindicate that Martensson may yet stay in North America, depending onhownegotiations with Anaheim go for a new contract. He is expected toinformLinkoping of his decision on July 15th, the deadline for qualifyingrestricted free agents.

The Mighty Ducks have signed another undrafted college free agent.DustinPenner was signed to a three-year deal after a season with Maine.The21-year-old Manitoba native is a gritty player with some offensiveskillsand should see time next year in Cincinnati. Penner is the secondcollegefree agent to be signed this offseason by the Ducks, after CurtisGlencross was signed in April.

Corey Perry opened some eyes with a three-game tryout in the AHLplayoffs after his London Knights were eliminated from the OHL playoffs. The18-year-old right winger saw time in three games and recorded a goal and anassist. Perry played on the top line for Cincinnati and also played ontheirtop powerplay unit.